The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Garry Dale Davis (MCSN: 2203969), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Radio Operator with Company A, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connections with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam, on 16 May 1967. During a search and destroy operation in the vicinity of Phu An Village in Quang Tri Province, Corporal Davis’ platoon, serving as lead element, came under heavy small arms, machine gun and mortar fire from a well entrenched company size North Vietnamese Army force and sustained numerous casualties. Realizing that the platoon commander was mortally wounded and other key personnel had become casualties, Corporal Davis unhesitatingly assumed command of the unit. Although painfully wounded himself, he displayed outstanding professional skill and initiative far exceeding a Marine of his rank and experience as he reorganized the besieged platoon. As the intensity of enemy fire increased, he calmly transmitted accurate and timely situation reports to the command group. In order to more accurately evaluate the tactical situation and to expedite the evacuation of the wounded, Corporal Davis, with complete disregard for his own safety, constantly exposed himself to the heavy volume of enemy fire as he moved about the battle area. Only after he had ascertained that all casualties had been evacuated and other personnel accounted for did he allow himself to be evacuated. Corporal Davis’ bold initiative and selfless dedication to duty throughout were undoubtedly instrumental in saving numerous Marine lives and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his calm presence of mind, outstanding professionalism and courageous actions, Corporal Davis upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps an of the United States Naval Service.